Working Class whites need citizenship ceremonies

The shadow cabinet could learn a lot from Frank Field

IMHO Frankly ridiculous. Attending "citizenship ceremonies"? What does he mean by the working class - what do you mean Sel? I am in agreement with the opinion that working men and wommen today who mught have been staunch Labour supporters in the past, will find they have little in common with ths champagne Socialists of today, people like Peter Mandelson thinking that mushy peas were guacamole (!) Labour politicians living in milion pound pads in Hampstead and members of parliamentof all political persausions lining their pockets. Who's out of step? Not the Labout supporters but their so-called representatives who have totally lost touch with the working man/woman.

gracesmum I think he is alluding to the sector of society that finds itself alienated, the working class white who, in the past, would have naturally followed Labour for their representation. Now they are finding the far right, the likes of UKIP potentially representing their views. The sub heading of the symposium was 'white flight, anti immigration politics and integration'

He suggested attending citizenship ceremonies, along with immigrants could help them feel that they were part of Britain again and help them re-learn the moral economy of the working class Labour of old.

I've been to one of these ceremonies and have felt very proud to be British.

how about a few courses on the responsibilities of citizenship for high earners who dodge their taxes

No problem with that JessM - course leader could be Tony Blair

I agree with you Sel, Frank Field is one of the few maverick MPs who is true to his beliefs and doesn't trot out the approved Labour mantra, which gets him precisely nowhere within his party. I also agree with you gracesmum on your point about "champagne socialist politicians" having lost touch with their core electorate. Career politicians of all persuasions with their PPE Oxbridge degrees and then straight into an advisory or research post without so much as a stint in the real world is why us mere mortals are so disenchanted with them. The holy trinity of Cameron, Clegg and Milliband are perfect examples.

I still think it is the so-called Labour politicians who need to reconnect with the moral compass of decent working people.

Oohhhh a love- in with Frank Field - I expect you all shared in his comments last week about the iniquity of the bedroom tax? And what the hell is all this rubbish about being a champagne socialist? As you may have gathered, I'm somewhat on the left myself and think champagne is far too good to be left to the wealthy alone to enjoy! I'm also very serious about drinking really good wine and frequently travel first class but that in no way stops me being a socialist.

Shouldn't Tory politicians connect with the moral compass of decent working people - oh, forgot, most if them haven't got one - Tories that is!!

bluebell you have such a way with words

Each to his or her own. (opinion that is)

Bluebell for PM

Seconded!

I wonder what party that would be....?

I would be very angry if someone suggested that as Brit born I might feel more of a Brit if I took part in a ceremony, together with immigrants or, for that matter with other Brits. What?

Sel The white working class is not the only group that finds itself feeling alienated.

So true, absent - on both counts

I don't always agree with Frank Field but did like the fact that he came out against the bedroom tax.

So far as his new suggestion is concerned, I don't agree. Whoever this "white working class" is supposed to be (how would they actually be identified?) I would think this proposal would only serve to alienate them further - to be told that you alone, amongst all the other British-born people, would benefit from a "citizenship ceremony" would be highly insulting.

What about a "citizenship ceremony" for everyone? (I'm joking).

I don't like the idea but I do like to listen to Frank Field in parliament debates and I also like Kate Hoey. I don't care about the colour of their politics I like them and what they say, not this one though.

I don't understand this at all. Why would the white working class need citizenship classes. They already are citizens by right of birth. And they have the right to actually make the culture. As all citizens have.

What is a moral economy?

That is totally unfair (moral compass (?!))

Yep. Bluebell for pm. If we really want economy killing civil unrest. And probably war with our neighbours.

No offence of course bluebell.

If Bluebell doesn't take offence, jingle, I will take it on her behalf. I think you need to apologise.

I think this suggestion is outrageous. An example of the deeply patronising attitude of intellectual socialists to those who they loudly proclaim as their equals, but secretly look down on because they are not as clever and virtuous as they are.

Have Citizenship Ceremonies for all or none, but selection by class...........